ABOUT US
A Note From Timmy
Hello neighbor! My name is Timmy Knudsen and I have had the honor to serve as your 43rd Ward Alderperson since 2022. Born and raised near Chicago, I attended Illinois public schools all the way from Kindergarten to my law degree at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. Accessing skills from my previous career as a private sector lawyer, as your alderperson, I am working to innovate local government to maximize constituent services in our community.
Throughout my professional journey, I've championed causes close to my heart, from advocating for small businesses and fighting back against hate speech, to aiding LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum. As the previous Chairman of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, I facilitated constructive dialogues on local developments, amplifying the voices of our residents. Grounded in grassroots activism, I've tirelessly worked to uphold values such as reproductive freedom and merit-based endorsements for judicial candidates.
Listening closely to the concerns of our neighbors, I'm committed to addressing issues vital to our community: safety, education, and fostering inclusive dialogue. Through active engagement from weekly in-person events, I aim to empower local leaders and organizations. In the spirit of immediate action and support, our office recently expanded hours to Saturdays, and has continued bi-weekly nighttime events such as Safety Walks, Infrastructure Walks, Meet & Greets, and Development Meetings. It's an immense honor and duty to serve the 43rd Ward, and I am eager to collaborate and work tirelessly on behalf of all its residents.
Mission
The 43rd Ward is a vibrant and welcoming urban community renowned for its parks, schools, recreation, businesses, and culture. We prioritize quality of life for all, fostering a safe, engaged community where every generation contributes and thrives inclusive of their age, background, race, identity, and socioeconomic status. The 43rd Ward is situated in Chicago – from Diversey to Division and the Lakefront to Racine.
43rd Ward Map
OUR Team
Adam Winters
Chief of Staff; Public Safety Liaison
Adam Winters manages the 43rd Ward Staff and Chief of Staff. He is also the liaison to the Police Department, coordinating public safety discussions and working with the community to identify and bring resources to problem locations. He is the community outreach collaborator for the local neighborhood groups, Chamber of Commerce, Local SSA’s and various business partners.
Maggie Sullivan
Director of Infrastructure and Constituent Services
Maggie works to manage the 43rd Ward constituent services and partners with residents to solve emerging problems in the ward. She assists residents contacting the office who have concerns regarding forestry, sanitation, and quality of life matters.
Emma Chesniak
Director of Operations
Emma oversees the day-to-day operations of the 43rd Ward Office, including the office’s seasonal intern program. She coordinates various community outreach efforts, such as the well-known Ward newsletter, the office's social media presence, and the 43rd Ward website. Emma also organizes community events that foster stronger connections between the office and residents, often collaborating with the local neighborhood groups and seniors within the ward. Additionally, she manages all scheduling requests for Ald. Knudsen.
Isabella Corya
Director of Zoning and Sustainable Urban Development
Isabella oversees all zoning requests and business affairs in our Ward. She serves as a conduit between our ward office and the Department of Planning and Development, the Department of Housing, and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Alik Schier
Aldermanic Aide
Alik oversees our Constituent Services system, including emails, phone calls, and in-person requests. Alik also coordinates all external communications, including the Ward’s social media accounts, newsletters, and volunteer corps information.
Vision
To create an inclusive, strong, and equitable lakefront community where people of all ages and backgrounds thrive. We envision a 43rd Ward where every Chicagoan and visitor feels a sense of belonging and access, supported by outstanding cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Our community is defined by robust businesses, a commitment to safety, and active participation from residents and business owners alike. We cherish our community and welcome individuals, families, and businesses to join us in building a dynamic and shared future.
Values
Our 43rd Ward Community Values are a compass for our neighborhood’s journey. It helps us stay on the same page, making decisions that reflect what we truly care about, as residents and businesses. They set the tone for how we want to live, work and grow together.
Safety
We prioritize the security of residents, businesses, and visitors through effective, collaborative safety strategies and initiatives to continue to cultivate a welcoming community.
Stewardship
We responsibly manage resources and advocate for the preservation and improvement of the educational resources, infrastructure, parks, cultural assets, and affordability that support quality of life in the 43rd Ward.
Engagement
We provide opportunities for all members of the community to thrive, contribute, and actively participate in community development efforts including the support of underserved communities with food, shelter, and other services.
Economic Vitality
We prioritize a thriving economy built on innovation, entrepreneurship, responsible practices, and opportunity for all Chicagoans. By supporting local businesses, fostering equitable job opportunities, and forming strategic partnerships, we aim for long-term prosperity and a vibrant community for all.
Innovation
We lead citywide as a ward that embraces new ideas, technologies, and approaches to address challenges, attract businesses, and improve community life.